2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Team / Driver Chart

NOTE: This is an unofficial page compiled by Jayski.com from many different sources.
Try to make it as complete as possible and update it as often possible, USUALLY daily.
It's a guide to what is heard/found for each team and what has been announced/reported.

Updated quite often...as changes happen
Updated 11-17-2018

an unofficial team chart, compiling news, announcements and rumors about what teams will look like for the upcoming season

POTENTIAL Free-Agent Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Regulars AFTER the 2017 season
#43-Aric Almirola (will not return to #43, heads to SHR #10)
Greg Biffle (didn't race in 2017, no news of any rides)
#21-Ryan Blaney (moves to 3rd Penske car in 2018, #12)
#37-Chris Buescher (signed to stay with JTG in #37, multi-year)
#41-Kurt Busch (returns to the #41)
#34-Landon Cassill (will not return to Front Row Motorsports in 2018, started in #00 at Martinsville in March)
#13-Ty Dillon (re-signed with Germain, multi-year)
#33-Jeffrey Earnhardt (was supposed to go back to #33, but was released, drove 5 races in #00 in 2018, then released)
#77-Erik Jones (moves to JGR #20 car in 2018, #77 team shuts down)
#5-Kasey Kahne (released following 2017 season, will go to the #95 car in 2018)
#20-Matt Kenseth (contract ends 2017, returns part-time in the #6)
#2-Brad Keselowski (re-signed by Team Penske for 2018 and beyond)
#95-Michael McDowell (Kahne to take over the #95 car; will race for FRM in the #34)
Casey Mears (didn't run Cup in 2017, looks to go Rally Racing in 2018)
#27-Paul Menard (moves to #21 in 2018, #27 leased charter, will change to #8 for a few races
#10-Danica Patrick (will not return to SHR, to run Daytona 500 in #7 (#15) Premium Motorsports Chevy and retire)
#38-David Ragan (returns to Front Row Motorsports #38)
#15-Reed Sorenson (car changes to #7 for Daytona 500 only, has raced a few times in #55)

Drivers not running full-time after 2017
#88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., will retire after the 2017 season, moves to TV with NBC

Drivers not running full-time after 2016
#19-Carl Edwards (left the sport in Jan 2017, no word on ANY driving plans)
#24/#88-Jeff Gordon (FOX Broadcaster/retired), did not race at all in 2017
#44-Brian Scott, retired after 2016 to spend more time with family (did run some 2017 NXS races)
#14-Tony Stewart, says he will not run CUP races again

Charters that were sold / leased / changed for 2018
#00-StarCom Racing will lease Richard Childress Racing's #27 team Charter
#12-Penske Racing bought the #16 Roush Fenway Racing Charter (will use #37 owners pts)
#15-Premium Motorsports switches to #7 for Daytona only, Danica Patrick to run Daytona 500, then unknown driver
#21-Wood Brothers Racing partners with Go FAS Racing #32 and obtains the #32 Charter
#32-Go Fas Racing retains their Charter from #21-Wood Brothers Racing (cannot be leased)
#32-Go Fas Racing partners with #21 Wood Brothers Racing, which will use #32 Charter
#32-Go Fas Racing partners with #33 Circle Sport and obtains the #33 Charter
#33-Circle Sport partners with #32 Go FAS Racing, which obtains the #33 Charter.
#37-JTG Daugherty Racing, gives #16 lease back to RFR, buys the Charter form the #77 Furniture Row Racing team (will use #77 owners pts)
#38-Front Row Motorsports leases its Charter to #72 TriStar Motorsports and uses the 3rd FRM Charter, no number
#43-Richard Petty Motorsports leased their Charter to #51 Rick Ware Racing, #43 will use #44 Charter.
#44-Richard Petty Motorsports will be used by the #43-Richard Petty Motorsports team in 2018 (cannot be leased).
#72-TriStar Motorsports will lease a charter from Front Row Motorsports again, this time the #38 team.
#77 Furniture Row Racing sold their Charter to #37 JTG Daugherty teamNOTES: Charters can be leased once every five years
so a team that leased their Charter in 2017, must use it or sell it in 2018
(Charters that can't be leased in 2018: #32; 3rd FRM;)
in 2018: #51 leases #43;
NASCAR can remove a Charter for a team in the bottom 3 of owners standings, none removed in 2017, no word on 2018

Some Part-Time / Open Teams by car # that may / could / will attempt a race or races:Chevy: 7,8,62,99Ford: 92Toyota: 96,97Ford/Toyota/Chevy: 52Toyota/Chevy: 66
these teams do NOT have a Charter, are considered Open teams

Unofficial Unassigned Numbers for 2018
0,5,16,25,26,27,28,29,30,33,35,36,39,40,
44,45,46,49,50,53,54,55,56,57,58,59,
60,61,63,64,65,67,68,69,70,71,
73,74,75,76,77,79,80,81,82,83,84,85,86,
87,89,90,91,93,94,98,
01,02,03,04,05,06,07,08,09
Numbers are owned and assigned by NASCAR
teams can request a number and hold the license
paying NASCAR to hold a number

[# was #] indicates the team is leasing or bought a Charter from the team in brackets or switched car numbers

CHART KEYS? unknown or a rumor for that section* part time team, or a team that has skipped at least one race, listed below the full-time teamsROTY = Rookie of the Year Candidate
(i) = not running for Cup Series points
(NC) = full-time team without a Charter, has to qualifying for each race via speedRed = new driver, sponsor, car#, owner, crew chief...etcA team in all red = new full time or part time team for this season

Dairi-O was the sponsor at both Charlotte races(9-29-2018). Mane 'n Tail will be the sponsor at Michigan in August(8-7-2018). Gase drove at Daytona in July with Sparks Energy spoonsorship(7-4-2018). Tomy Drissi ran the car at Sonoma with GoShare as the sponsor (6-24-2018). Cassill has been in the car since Texas in April (5-16-2018). Cassill will drive at Bristol (Apr) with TW Cable as the sponsor(4-11-2018). Landon Cassill will drive at Martinsville (March) and Texas (Apr)(3-19-2018). The team and Jeffrey Earnhardt parted ways following the race at Auto Club Speedway after running five races together, looks like VRX Simulations left with him (3-19-2018). Jeffrey Earnhardt will drive in the Daytona 500 and will drive in some other races. VRX Simulations will be the sponsor / partner. Cope will continue as team manager in 2018 and may drive in a few (1-30-2018)). StarCom Racing acquired a NASCAR Charter [leased #27 RCR Charter for 2018] for the upcoming 2018 MENCS season and will run a full 36-week schedule. SCR, a new team in 2017, led by Team Manager Derrike Cope will hit the track at the Daytona 500 in the #00 Chevy Camaro (1-24-2018). The team raced at Kansas in October and again at Phoenix in November (11-12-2017). Cope parted ways with Premium Motorsports after making 13 starts in either the #55 or #15 (9-10-2017).

Supposedly Kurt Busch will leave the #41 SHR team and move with Monster Energy to the #1 team. No word on McMurray's plans for 2019 (8-10-2018). DC Solar will sponsor McMurray in four races (1-28-2018). Former Hendrick Motorsports executive Doug Duchardt has been named Chief Operating Officer. Max Jones is promoted to Managing Director of the team's NASCAR Operation joining Mike Hull, Managing Director of the team's INDYCAR and IMSA Operations (1-3-2018). McMurray to return to CGR and the #1 in 2018, no word how long his contract is for. McCall stays on as the crew chief. McDonald's, Cessna and GearWrench return as the sponsors. No word on McMurray's contract status, but Chip Ganassi said early in July that his two-car team, #1 & #42 would look the same, driver-wise in 2018

AutoTrader.com will be the primary sponsor at Atlanta in Feb. and Las Vegas in Sept (2-22-2018). Horizon Global Corporation (REESE & Draw-Tite) will be the sponsor at Martinsville in March and Richmond in April(1-17-2018). Alliance Truck Parts will be the primary sponsor for 6 races(11-7-2017). Wurth will be the sponsor for 3 races - Auto Club Speedway, Dover in October and Texas in November (11-5-2017). Miller Lite will scale back from 24 to 11 races as primary sponsor(11-3-2017). Discount Tire will serve as primary sponsor for 10 races and associate sponsor for the remainder of the season. The only primary sponsorship races announced so far are the Daytona 500 and Homestead.(11-3-2017). Snap-On will be the sponsor at Talladega in April 2018(10-5-2017). Keselowski re-signs with Team Penske in what is termed a multi-year deal (usually 3-4 years). Crew chief Paul Wolfe also signed a multi-year deal past 2018. No word on sponsor deals yet for 2018 and beyond. Miller Lite is supposed signed thru 2017 and was the sponsor for 24 races in 2017. No word on AutoTrader, Alliance Truck Parts, Wurth and/or Fitzgerald for 2018. Keselowski was rumored to possible the #88 ride, but HMS filled the opening with Alex Bowman. Rumors were floating around in early 2017 that Carl Edwards could come back to run the Cup series in 2018, possibly with Penske in a third car, the #2 car or Hendrick. But Edwards said in June, he was not planning on coming back. Team Penske could expand to three cars as Roger Penske said in mid-2017 he hopes to move Ryan Blaney to a third (#12?, #99?) team in 2018, depending on sponsorship. Also rumors that Paul Menard and Menard's sponsorship could move to Penske, possibly in a third car or to #21 Wood Brothers. Snap-On will sponsor Keselowski at Talladega in April.

Coca-Cola will be the sponsor at Charlotte in May(4-26-2018). SYMBICORT will be the sponsor at "select" races, starting at Texas in April(4-3-2018). No word on any changes with the #3 team. Crew chief Justin Alexander took over as the crew chief in May 2017. New Era Cap and Okuma were new sponsors on 2017, no word on sponsor status in 2018

Matt Kenseth will return to Roush Fenway with sponsorship from Wyndham Rewards. He will split the #6 for the remainder of the season.d (4-25-2018). Reports have Matt Kenseth returning part-time in the #6, first race at Kansas in May. With Bayne struggling, Roush hopes to help Bayne and get the team back running upfront (4-23-2018). AdvoCare returns in 2018 and will run a primary black scheme (12-3-2017). Chris Buescher will not return to the Roush Fenway Racing team after signing a multi-year deal to stay with the #37 JTG Daugherty Racing team for a few more years. No word on the #16 charter which was leased to the #37 in 2017, but it looks like Roush will be a two-car team in 2018, so it could sell the CHarter to the #37 or lease the #6 and #17 and keep the #16 using it for the #6 or #16 in 2018. No word on RFR plans for their Xfinity team. Roush Fenway president Steve Newmark said that Roush Fenway Racing will "most likely" be two Cup cars and one XFINITY car in 2018. No word on any changes with this team. AdvoCare and Bayne are signed thru 2019. No word on crew chief changes as Matt Puccia is the crew chief

Mountain Dew and Little Caesars will be the sponsor at Michigan in June (5-31-20018). NAPA has signed an extension through 2020 to sponsor Elliott in 26 races (2-13-2018). Kelley Blue Book will be the sponsor at Bristol in August and Texas in November(1-18-2018). The team will change from #24 to #9, allowing Elliott to run the same number his father Bill ran for many years and that Elliott ran in the NXS series (8-30-2017).

Mobil 1 will be the primary sponsor at Martinsville in March and was again at Michigan in June (6-10-2018). John Klausmeier will serve as crew chief for Almirola. Former crew chief Billy Scott heads to the #41 with Kurt Busch (12-15-2017). Former driver Danica Patrick will run the Daytona 500 and retire from NASCAR, then the Indy 500 and retire from Racing (11-17-2017). Indications are that Aspen Dental will not return in 2018 (11-15-2017). Aric Almirola will join Stewart-Haas in 2018 to drive the #10. Smithfield will be the primary sponsor for an unknown number of races. The length of Almirola or Smtihfields' contract were not disclosed(11-8-2017). Both Kasey Kahne and Matt Kenseth said they are not candidates for this ride (9-16-2017). Danica Patrick announced she will not return to SHR in 2018, no word on her plans. Smithfield will move from RPM's #43 to SHR, BUT no word which car or who will drive (9-12-2017). (9-11-2017). Unsure plans for Danica Patrick and the team itself. Patrick is signed thru 2018, but it is a team option. Rumors have Patrick not returning to this car in 2018 due to lack of sponsorship/performance. The lawsuit with Nature's Bakery was settled with them being a sponsor for 4 more races on the #10 & #14-Bowyer cars, they will not be back as a sponsor in 2018. Team co-owner Gene Haas has indicated Stewart-Haas Racing wants to stay at four cars. Aspen Dental stepped up and sponsored Patrick in around 10 races in 2017.

JGR re-signed Hamlin and FedEx to a multi-year deal, usually JGR does 3-year deals, so probably thru 2019. No word if Sport Clips will return as a sponsor in 2018. Crew chief Mike Wheeler came aboard at the start of the 2016 season and there are no changes expected there.

VF Workwear will be the sponsor at Kansas in October(10-15-2018). BODYARMOR will be the sponsor at Daytona in July (3-2-2018). Dex Imaging will sponsor Blaney at Atlanta, Richmond (Apr) and Kentucky(1-15-2018). Purchased the Charter from Roush Racing #16 team, that was leased to the #37 JTG Daugherty Racing team in 2017 (1-2-2018). PPG will sponsor Blaney in 6 races. Auto Club is the only announced race(12-1-2017). REV Group will be the sponsor at Bristol in April and Talladega in October (11-17-2017). Fitzgerald Glider Kits is scheduled to be the sponsor at Bristol in August (11-14-2017). Menards will sponsor Blaney for 14 races (8-30-2017). Ryan Blaney named to drive the #12 Ford for Team Penske in 2018, signing a multi-year deal (usually 3-4 years). Crew chief Jeremy Bullins will move to the #12 car with Blaney. It'll be the third team for Penske. Blaney had run the #21 Ford for the Wood Brothers for past three seasons. Sponsors will be named at a later date. The team has no Charter for 2018, so look for it to lease or purchase one (7-26-2017)

GEICO re-signed to stay as the primary sponsor of the team thru 2020 (2-16-2018). Matt Borland has signed a multi-year deal with Germain to serve as crew chief(11-27-2017). Bootie Barker will leave the team at the end of 2017.(11-7-2017). Twisted Tea will return as a primary sponsor for a few races in 2018. Ty Dillon and GEICO have signed a "multi-year" renewal with Germain Racing, he will not be moving to a third RCR car (#27) which will cease operations in 2018 (9-5-2017).

DEKALB will be the sponsor at Kansas in October(8-28-2018). Cummins will share primary sponsorship with Rush Truck Centers at Bristol in August and Talladega in October(8-3-2018). Will run a throwback honoring Ned Jarrett at Darlington running the #14 Carolina Ford colors (7-12-2018). ITsavvy will sponsor Bowyer at Richmond (Sep) and Phoenix (Nov). One Cure will be the sponsor for a few races in 2018, the first at Las Vegas in March (2-27-2018). Mike Bugarewicz will return as crew chief in 2018. Rush Truck Centers and Mobil 1 will be the sponsors for some races (12-15-2017). Smithfield will move from RPM's #43 to SHR and will sponsor the #10 with Almirola driving, no word on sponsors for Bowyer yet (12-8-2017). No word on any changes with this team with the exception of finding additional sponsorship for Bowyer. Some sponsors could move over from the #10 team if a new driver comes aboard there of the team is disbanded. Nature's Bakery sponsored the car for a few races but will not return to SHR in 2018 after a lawsuit settlement. Mike Bugarewicz was the crew chief in 2017 and no word on any changes there

Hermie Sadler will drive the #7 at Martinsville in October with Virginia Lottery sponsorship(10-10-2018). Ross Chastain will return to this ride in 2019 (10-8-2018). Caddy's Beach Bar will sponsor Chastain at Daytona in July(7-4-2018). FlightPath International will sponsor Chastain at Michigan in June(6-6-2018). Justin Marks will drive at Sonoma and on the Charlotte Roval with Sufferfest Beer (5-17-2018). Ross Chastain has been in the car since Talladega (4-27-2018). Low T Center will be the sponsor for 10 races (2-22-2018). Todd Parrott and Pat Tryson will split crew chief duties, each doing about half the season. Tryson will also crew chief some races wurth Rick Ware Racing's #51 team (2-21-2018). Ran the #7 for Daytona 500 then switched back to #15 for Atlanta (2-19-2018). Patrick will drive for Premium Motorsports and have Tony Eury Jr. as her crew chief for her final NASCAR race. The #7 car will use that team's charter (the #15 car last year) to have a guaranteed spot in the Daytona. The team will receive technological support from Richard Childress Racing and will use ECR engines. Patrick announced that she had sponsorship from GoDaddy for the final two races of her career -- the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500. Although eligible for the preseason Clash at Daytona thanks to her 2013 Daytona 500 pole, Patrick will not compete in that exhibition event (1-22-2018). Tommy Baldwin Jr. named the Competition Director of Premium Motorsports and Crew Chief of the #15 starting at Darlington in Sept 2017, Premium will absorb the assets of TBR's team, the #7 Chevy in 2018. Scott Eggleston will remain as Team Manager, Pat Tryson will be moving to the crew chief position for the #55 (9-1-2017). This team had many drivers in it during the 2017 season, starting with Waltrip (in his final Cup race) in the 2017 Daytona 500. No word on the plans for this team, which holds a Charter and could sell or lease it. Reed Sorenson was the primary driver in this car and for Premium Motorsports (also in the #55) in 2017. No word on his plans either. Premium Motorsports' purchased of the charter from HScott Motorsports, which shut down after the 2016 season.

Fastenal, SunnyD and Fifth Third have renewed their sponsorship through 2021 with the exact number of races not announced (4-17-2018). Fifth Third re-signed with RFR and will return to be the primary sponsor in some races (9-3-2017). SunnyD will return to sponsor Stenhouse Jr. for more races per season, signing a multi-year deal. Chris Buescher will not return to the Roush Fenway Racing team after signing a multi-year deal to stay with the #37 JTG Daugherty Racing team for a few more years. No word on the #16 charter which was leased to the #37 in 2017, but it looks like Roush will be a two-car team in 2018, so it could sell the CHarter to the #37 or lease the #6 and #17 and keep the #16 using it for the #6 or #16 in 2018. No word on RFR plans for their Xfinity team. Roush Fenway president Steve Newmark said that Roush Fenway Racing will "most likely" be two Cup cars and one XFINITY car in 2018. No plans for any changes with this team as Stenhouse Jr. had a breakout season (thru July 2017) with two wins and making the playoffs. Fastenal is expected to return in 2018 for at least 15 races.

Skittles America Mix (6-28-2018). Pedigree featured at Dover in May (5-2-2018). Skittles Heat featured at Phoenix in March and Skittles featured at Bristol in April (4-15-2018). Snickers Almond scheme at Atlanta (2-19-2018). No word on any changes for this team in 2018. Busch and sponsors are locked in thru at least 2018

Dave Rogers replaced Scott Graves as crew chief before the fall Talladega race(10-9-2018). Interstate Batteries to be the sponsor at Charlotte for the Coca-Cola 600 (5-21-2018). Coca-Cola will be the sponsor at Las Vegas in March (2-27-2018). PEAK will be the sponsor at Chicago (12-29-2017). ARRIS and Stanley return to be the primary sponsors in 2018 (11-19-2017). Subway left late in 2017 with one race left on its deal. It will not return to JGR in 2018 but could resurface with another team (9-2-2017). No word on any changes in 2018 after Suarez was named to this ride after the Carl Edwards stepped away from the sport in January 2017, elevating Suarez to the Cup Series maybe a year early. Crew chief Dave Rogers took an indefinite personal leave after Auto Club Speedway in March and Scott Graves moved up from JGR's #18 Xfinity Series team to take over and is expected to remain as the crew chief. All sponsors are expected to return.

Craftsman wil be the primary sponsor at 4 races - Richmond (Sep), Dover (Oct), Talladega and Kansas (Oct)(7-26-2018). XYO Network will be the primary sponsor at Talladega (Apr) and Dover (May)(4-18-2018). Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) announced the #20 Toyota Camry will carry DEWALT, Reser's Fine Foods, Sport Clips Haircuts and Circle K in 2018 (1-23-2018). DeWalt will return as the primary sponsor of the #20 in 2018 (12-1-2017). Chris Gayle named the crew chief for 2018 and will move over with Jones from the #77 (11-16-2017). Former driver Matt Kenseth doesn't expect to drive in NASCAR during the 2018 season. Crew chief Jason Ratcliff will take the JGR NXS crew chief job with Christopher Bell (11-14-2017). Crew chief Jason Ratcliff said he will not be the crew chief of the #20 team in 2018. No word if Ratcliff stays with JGR or moves to another team. Jones crew chief at the #77 Furniture Row Racing team, Chris Gayle, could move to the #20 with Jones. Erik Jones takes over this ride in 2018. No word on Kenseth's 2018 plans or what becomes of the #77 team (7-11-2017). Matt Kenseth announced he would not return to Joe Gibbs Racing in 2018. All indications are that Erik Jones will move from the #77 Furniture Row Racing car back to the #20 JGR car in 2018. 5-Hour Energy has to stay at the #77 can't move with Jones. (7-8-2017).

Greg Erwin, already in the Penske fold, will be the crew chief for Menard. Paul Menard named as the driver of the #21 Ford as Ryan Blaney was named to drive the #12 Ford for Team Penske in 2018. Menard brings Menards sponsorship for 22 races with Motorcraft / Quick Lane possibly returning for 12-14 races in 2018. Crew chief Jeremy Bullins will move to the #12 car with Blaney (7-26-2017). #32 Go FAS Racing, leased their Charter to #21-Wood Brothers Racing for the 2017 season, no word if the Charter goes back to the #32, it is sold to WBR or the #21 team leases/buys another Charter for 2018.

AutoTrader.com will be the primary at Bristol in April and the co-primary with Shell-Pennzoil at Talladega in April (2-22-2018). AAA will continue its primary sponsorship of the #22 for three races over the next several seasons, including the events at Auto Club Speedway, Kansas Speedway in May and Texas Motor Speedway's November race(11-5-2017). No word on any changes with this team as Team Penske announced at Daytona in February 2017 that they have re-signed Shell-Pennzoil thru 2022 and Logano's contract was extended thru 2023. Rumors were floating around in early 2017 that Carl Edwards could come back to run the Cup series in 2018, possibly with Penske in a third car, the #2 car or Hendrick. But Edwards said in June, he was not planning on coming back. AAA Insurance and AutoTrader are expected to return to sponsor the rest of the races. No word on any crew chief changes with Todd Gordon. Rumors were floating around in early 2017 that Carl Edwards could come back to run the Cup series in 2018, possibly with Penske in a third car, the #2 car or Hendrick. But Edwards said in June, he was not planning on coming back. Team Penske could expand to three cars as Roger Penske said in mid-2017 he hopes to move Ryan Blaney to a third (#12?, #99?) team in 2018, depending on sponsorship. Also rumors that Paul Menard and Menard's sponsorship could move to Penske, possibly in a third car or to #21 Wood Brothers.

Yeley drove at Charlotte in September(9-29-2018). Alon Day will drive at Richmond in September with Best Bully Sticks sponsorship(9-17-2018). Jones drove at New Hampshire with Tennessee XXX Moonshine sponsorship(7-22-2018). Yeley drove at Daytona in July with Steakhouse Elite sponsorship (7-5-2018). The trustee of bankrupt BK Racing is in negotiations to sell the team - the assets and the charter - that would allow it to continue operating and racing under different ownership. The court would have to approve any sale (6-12-2018). BK Racing will be operated by a trustee as team owner Ron Devine lost financial control of the team in bankruptcy court. US District Court Judge J. Craig Whitley appointed Matthew Smith of The Finley Group as the trustee. Gaulding will continue as the driver, not getting paid (3-28-2018). Gaulding has been in the car all season, Earth Water has been the sponsor (3-25-2018). Gaulding ran the car at Daytona and is scheduled in the car for the next few races, maybe the season (2-20-2018). The team declared bankruptcy on 2-15-2018, no word the plans for the team and if NASCAR will take their Charter away. The team will race the Daytona 500 (2-15-2018). The team is still under litigation, will run the Daytona 500 with Gaulding driving and Rick Bourgeois as the crew chief, no word on plans after that. The team is unlikely to run their second un-Chartered team, the #83 (2-10-2017). Crew chief Doug Richert has parted ways with BK Racing (1-4-2018). A lawsuit filed as a North Carolina court determines who owns the charter that Front Row Motorsports bought from BK Racing for $2 million prior to the 2017 season. Union Bank & Trust in Virginia filed a lawsuit Nov. 17 in NC Superior Court, asking for the court to declare it has rights to what was originally BK Racing's #83 car charter, alleging that BK Racing owes it $9.1 million on a loan that included its two charters as collateral (11-28-2017). No word any plans with this team as far as drivers or sponsors in 2018. The team fielded a full-time ride for this team as it has a Charter. It's 2nd team, #83, doesn't have a Charter and it skipped a few races in 2017. Both teams employed many drivers with LaJoie starting out in the #83 and then moving to the #23 mid-season. Things are a crap-shoot with this team

Hertz to sponsor the #24 in four races ib both 2018 and 2019 (5-16-2018). Axalta has extended their sponsorship agreement with Hendrick through 2022. Axalta will sponsor Byron in 10 races in 2018 and 13 races in 2019 (3-23-2018). Darian Grubb will be the crew chief for William Byron (11-1-2017). Darian Grubb named the crew chief of the #5 team (will be #24 in 2018] for the remaining nine playoff races of the 2017 NASCAR Cup Series season, starting at New Hampshire in September. Grubb replaces Keith Rodden, who was the team's crew chief for 99 races and remains under contract to HMS through 2017 season. Rodden will be assigned other responsibilities. The team's crew chief for the 2018 season has not been determined (could be Dave Elenz, Byron's crew chief in 2017 at JR Motorsports) (9-18-2017). While initial announced to replace Kahne in the #5, Hendrick decided to change the team to #24 at Chase Elliott's team switches to #9 (8-30-2017). Byron will drive the #24 starting in 2018 (contact length not disclosed) with majority sponsorship from Axalta and Liberty University. Kahne has been released from his contract at end of 2017 season. While Kahne was signed thru 2018 (team option), the two major sponsors, Farmers Insurance(12 races) and Great Clips (10 races) are not returning to the team or NASCAR in 2018. UniFirst is signed thru 2023 for a few races a year.

E-Z-Go was the sponsor at Homestead(11-16-2018). Waste Masters will be the sponsor at Dover in October(10-2-2018). Okuma sponsored on the #31 at Michigan and will again at Chicago (6-28-2018). Kalahari Resorts will be the sponsor at Pocono in June(5-22-2018). eBay Motors to sponsor the #31 at Martinsville in March (3-22-2018). RCR and Caterpillar renewed their overall partnership and sponsorship of the #31 Chevy team, and will use the platform for the introduction of new digital and social content campaigns. Caterpillar will scale down from 22 races to 8 races in 2018 (12-12-2017). Bass Pro Shops / Cabela's will be the sponsor for the Daytona 500 and "several other races" (12-11-2017). Liberty National will be primary sponsor for "select" races (11-1-2017). Newman re-signed with RCR, a multiple year deal (usually 2-3 years) probably thru at least 2018. Caterpillar was the main sponsor in 2017, covering 22 races. No word on any crew chief changes with Luke Lambert there.

DUDE was the sponsor at Pocono in July and will be the sponsor at Talladega in October(10-5-2018). The Hartford Gold Group the sponsor at Sonoma (6-20-2018). ANEST IWATA to sponsor the #32 for two races: Chicago in July and Indy in Sept (6-19-2018). Zynga Poker has signed on for seven additional races in 2018: All-Star Open, Pocono (Jun), Daytona (Jul), Watkins Glen, Bristol (Aug), Las Vegas (Sep), and Homestead.(4-28-2018). Superior Logistics will be the sponsor at Richmond (Apr)(4-18-2018). Zynga Poker was the sponsor at Phoenix (ISM)(3-10-2018). Go Fas Racing and crew chief Gene Nead have mutually parted ways, Randy Cox has taken over the Crew Chief duties (2-27-2018). The Hurricane Heist will sponsor the team at Daytona (Feb)(2-6-2018). Go FAS Racing announced a partnership with Circle Sport Racing to acquire a charter for the #32 Ford (1-17-2018). DiBenedetto and crew chief Gene Nead will return for the full 2018 season. The team says many team sponsors will return but details were not released. Can-Am is supposedly signed thru 2018 for about 13 races (8-12-2017). 2017 was the first season the team used the same driver in all 36 races with Matt DiBenedetto. No word if Keen Parts/Corvetteparts.net or other sponsors return in 2018. Go FAS Racing leased their Charter to #21-Wood Brothers Racing and in-turn leased the #44 Charter from Richard Petty Motorsports. So the team must use their Charter or sell it in 2018 (which will be high up in owners points as the #21 team made the playoffs) and/or buy/lease another one. PRM will need to take back their Charter and either use it or sell it or put it with the #43 car and lease that Charter.

Speedco will be featured on the car at Las Vegas, Talladega, and Homestead(9-6-2018). K-Love will be the sponsor at Phoenix (Mar), Richmond (Apr), Daytona (Jul), Watkins Glen, and Charlotte (Sep)(1-23-2018). Loves's will be primary sponsor for 18 races(1-22-2018). David Ragan has been re-signed for the 2018 season. Michael McDowell will join Front Row for the 2018 season. Length of his deal was not announced. The team says crew chiefs and driver car numbers will be announced later (12-14-2017). A lawsuit filed as a North Carolina court determines who owns the charter that Front Row Motorsports bought from BK Racing for $2 million prior to the 2017 season. Union Bank & Trust in Virginia filed a lawsuit Nov. 17 in NC Superior Court, asking for the court to declare it has rights to what was originally BK Racing's #83 car charter, alleging that BK Racing owes it $9.1 million on a loan that included its two charters as collateral (11-28-2017). Landon Cassill said he will not return to FRM in 2018, no word on his plans for 2018 (10-10-2017). Hearing McDowell could move to this car, leaving Leavine Family Racing. No word on plans for Front Row Motorsports in 2018 including drivers or sponsors. FRM ran two cars in 2017, with Landon Cassill in the #34 and David Ragan in the #38. FRM also holds a third Charter, which was leased to the #72 TriStar Motorsports team in 2017 (and purchased for #83 BK Racing after the 2016 season). Supposedly the plan was for FRM to expand to three cars in 2018, but in April 2017 the team said it is still "weighing that out" when it comes to potentially expanding to a third car next season. "Obviously, expanding to another team is a big undertaking, not just in dollars but space, people, all of that. We're certainly not - I think - planning on it right now, today. It's in the back of my mind, for sure." Donnie Wingo Named Competition Director at Front Row Motorsports (7-3-2017). So FRM would have to use or sell the Charter as it cannot be leased again for another four years. FRM has had a technical alliance with Roush Fenway Racing and its engine program with Roush Yates Engines for years and probably will continue that in 2018.

Allmendinger and Buescher swapped crew chiefs after Indianapolis(9-10-2018). Natural Light to be the sponsor at Las Vegas (2-27-2018). Purchased the Charter from Furniture Row Racing's #77 team (1-2-2018). JTG announced that Buescher has signed a "multi-year" agreement to return to the team (8-17-2017). Chris Buescher said in July 2017 that he anticipates he will be back with JTG Daugherty Racing next season. "It's coming along," Buescher said. "We're in the process, we're trying to get everything ironed out and be able to move forward. The plan right now is to try and do the same thing next year with JTG Daugherty. Buescher is on loan to JTG Daugherty Racing from Roush Fenway Racing. The team is leasing a Charter from Roush's #16 team, which didn't run in 2017. The charter must used or sold by Roush in 2018 or Roush could use it and lease the #6 or #17 Charter to JTG. No word on status of crew chief Trent Owens but he is expected back

Trident Seafood will be the sponsor at Michigan in August and Phoenix in November(8-7-2018). Bad Boy Mowers will be the sponsor at Talladega in April(4-24-2018). The #38 Charter will be leased to the #72 team. The #38 will use the third FRM Charter, leased in 2017 to the #72 (2-10-2018). Speedco will be the sponsor in the Daytona 500(2-5-2018). Seth Barbour will move from the #34 team to serve as crew chief for Ragan. 1000Bulbs.com will be the sponsor at Auto Club, Texas (Apr), Dov (Oct) and Homestead(1-19-2018). Shriners Hospital for Children will be primary sponsor in three races: Dover (May), Daytona (July), & Bristol (Aug)(1-18-2018). David Ragan has been re-signed for the 2018 season. Michael McDowell will join Front Row for the 2018 season. Length of his deal was not announced. The team says crew chiefs and driver car numbers will be announced later(12-14-2017). A lawsuit filed as a North Carolina court determines who owns the charter that Front Row Motorsports bought from BK Racing for $2 million prior to the 2017 season. Union Bank & Trust in Virginia filed a lawsuit Nov. 17 in NC Superior Court, asking for the court to declare it has rights to what was originally BK Racing's #83 car charter, alleging that BK Racing owes it $9.1 million on a loan that included its two charters as collateral (11-28-2017). Donnie Wingo Named Competition Director at Front Row Motorsports (7-3-2017). No word on plans for Front Row Motorsports in 2018 including drivers or sponsors. FRM ran two cars in 2017, with Landon Cassill in the #34 and David Ragan in the #38. FRM also holds a third Charter, which was leased to the #72 TriStar Motorsports team in 2017 (and purchased for #83 BK Racing after the 2016 season). Supposedly the plan was for FRM to expand to three cars in 2018, but in April 2017 the team said it is still "weighing that out" when it comes to potentially expanding to a third car next season. "Obviously, expanding to another team is a big undertaking, not just in dollars but space, people, all of that. We're certainly not - I think - planning on it right now, today. It's in the back of my mind, for sure." So FRM would have to use or sell the Charter as it cannot be leased again for another four years. FRM has had a technical alliance with Roush Fenway Racing and its engine program with Roush Yates Engines for years and probably will continue that in 2018.

Supposedly Kurt Busch will leave the #41 SHR team and move with Monster Energy to the #1 team. No word on McMurray's plans for 2019 (8-10-2018). State Water Heaters will be the sponsor at Richmond (Sep) and Texas (Nov)(2-26-2018). Billy Scott moves from the #10 team to take over as crew chief for Busch. Former crew chief Tony Gibson will be re-assigned within SHR as he wanted off the road (12-15-2017). Kurt Busch will return for at least 2018 and Monster will return as co-sponsor. Sports Business Journal tweeted that SHR is expected to announced that Busch has signed a contract to remain at SHR and in the #41 for 2018. No word if Monster returns or if Gibson will return as the crew chief (12-11-2017). Smithfield will move to SHR from RPM in 2018 and sponsor the #10 and Almirola in 2018 (11-28-2017). Busch's option was not picked up and he is a free agent, but could return to the #41. A lot depends on if Monster Energy comes back as a sponsor for 18 races in 2018. Motorsport is reporting Busch's option will not be picked up and he will not be with Stewart-Haas Racing in 2018. But SHR denied it in a tweet, saying Busch would be back in the #41 in 2018 (8-1-2017). Busch is signed thru 2018, which is a team option and indications are that the team could move on from Busch or keep him, depending on sponsorship and if Monster Energy comes back as a primary for half the races in 2018. Monster has to inform NASCAR towards the end of 2017 season if it's picking up the option on its series title sponsorship for 2019-2020. Team co-owner Gene Haas has indicated Stewart-Haas Racing wants to stay at four cars. No word on the status of crew chief Tony Gibson. No word on one race sponsorship's of Mobil 1 or State Water Heaters for 2018

DC Solar will sponsor Larson in 13 races, starting with the Clash at Daytona(1-16-2018). Former Hendrick Motorsports executive Doug Duchardt has been named Chief Operating Officer. Max Jones is promoted to Managing Director of the team's NASCAR Operation joining Mike Hull, Managing Director of the team's INDYCAR and IMSA Operations (1-3-2018). Credit One announced it will be the lead team primary sponsor for Larson on the #42 car in 2018, starting at the 2018 Daytona 500, no word how many races (11-28-2017). CGR says that it already has a multirace sponsor for 2018 that is new to both team and sport that it will be introducing in the coming weeks. CreditOne could step up and sponsor more races in 2018. Target reduced the amount of races it served as primary sponsor of the #42 in 20171 dropping 5-10 races as the primary sponsor in 2017 AND will not return in 2018, leaving motorsports (7-21-2017). In a mutual agreement in order to allow other companies to start working with the team. Larson is signed and not going anywhere. Team owner Chip Ganaasi said early in July 2017 that his two-car team, #1 & #42 would look the same, driver-wise in 2018. Supposedly Target could be out as the sponsor after the 2017 season as it left Ganassi's IndyCar team after 2016 season. Larson is signed thru at least 2018 and supposedly has a multi-year deal with CGR, who never announces contract lengths. No word on the status of crew chief Chad Johnston.

Transportation Impact will also be the sponsor at Homestead(11-13-2018). Transportation Impact will be the sponsor at Kansas in October(10-16-2018). Weis Markets will be the sponsor at Pocono in June(5-31-2018). World Wide Technology will be the sponsor at Kansas in May, Sonoma in June, Indianapolis, Las Vegas & Charlotte in Sept and Dover in October (5-1-2018). Food Lion will be the sponsor at Richmond (Apr)(4-18-2018). Farmer John will be the sponsor at Auto Club(3-9-2018). Click n' Close has added sponsorship at ISM Raceway (Phoenix) in March(3-7-2018). The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will be the sponsor at Las Vegas in March (2-27-2018). NASCAR Racing Experience will be the sponsor at Atlanta (2-19-2018). The U.S. Air Force will be the primary sponsor for two races - Daytona in July and Phoenix in November(12-18-2017). RPM will align with Richard Childress Racing and switch to Chevy in 2018 (12-8-2017). RPM is leasing its #43 charter to Rick Ware Racing's #51 in 2018 and will use the charter tied to the #44 car on the #43 car in 2018. The #44 charter was leased to the #32 Go Fas Racing team in 2017 and had to be sold or used (12-7-2017). STP will be the primary sponsor for two races(11-13-2017). Click n' Close will be the primary sponsor for 3 races - the Daytona 500, Phoenix in March and one Texas race (11-3-2017). Smithfield has settled with RPM and will sponsor the car in a few 2018 races (11-1-2017). Bubba Wallace was named the driver for 2018 and will run for Rookie of the Year. Sponsors STP and U.S. Air Force are expected to return. Almirola will not return to the #43 car in 2018 per a Richard Petty statement, he will drive the #10 at Stewart Haas Racing (9-12-2017). Smithfield will move from RPM's #43 to SHR, BUT no word which car or who will drive (9-12-2017). Bubba Wallace could also be in this car or an 2nd RPM car in 2018 (9-11-2017). Hearing RPM will switch to Chevy and have an alliance with Richard Childress Racing, moving their shop to Welcomes, NC. No word who would drive or if there will be a 2nd team. RPM is working on re-signng Almirola to drive the #43 and with primary sponsor Smithfield for 2018. If RPM could secure sponsorship for a second team, Richard Petty would like to see Darrell "Bubba" Wallace in a 2nd team car (likely the #44, which has a Charter and is being leased to #32 Go Fas Racing in 2017 and has to be used or sold by RPM). Wallace subbed for Almirola in the #43 and has not ride lined up for 2018 after Roush Fenway Racing closed his XFINITY team mid-season 2017. Car owner Richard Petty said that he's confident that Smithfield will return to the #43 team for 2018 and would like to have Darrell Wallace Jr. back if they have a place for him, possibly a 2nd car, the #44, which they hold a Charter for. No word if Fresh From Florida, US Air Force or STP return in 2018 as primary sponsors. RPM CEO, Brian Moffitt said in late 2017 that: "At the conclusion of the 2016 season, we evaluated how to best improve our on-track product. We feel that it's in the best interest of our partners and for Richard Petty Motorsports to focus our resources on the #43 Ford Fusion and Aric (Almirola) in 2017. A concentrated effort on one team will position us for improvement while giving us adequate time to reestablish our two-car team in 2018. For the interim, we will lease one of our two charters".

Allmendinger and Buescher swapped crew chiefs after Indianapolis(9-10-2018). No changes for this team and the #37 team stay intact also. Ernie Cope took over as the crew chief duties in May 2017 but later in the year Tristan Smith was listed as the crew chief. Allmendinger is signed thru 2020. Looks like most of the primary sponsors will return in 2018, including Kroger, Scott Products and Bush's Baked Beans.

Lowe's will not return in 2019 and leave NASCAR (3-14-2018). No changes for 2018. Johnson signed an extension in June 2017 to stay with Hendrick thru at least the 2020 season and sponsor Lowe's signed thru at least the 2018 season as they will remain the sponsor for all the races. Crew Chief Chad Knaus is signed thru 2018.

Joey Gase will drive at Texas (Nov)(10-31-2018). Stanton Barrett drove at Charlotte in September(9-29-2018). Reed Sorenson drove with Trading View sponsorship at Bristol in August(8-16-2018). Black drove at Daytona in July (7-5-2018). Chris Cook to race the car in Sonoma with Shockwave as the sponsor (6-18-2018). Cody Ware in the car at Dover in May (5-3-2018). Hill will drive at Talladega with Keen's Buildings sponsorship(4-26-2018). BUBBA burgers will be the sponsor at Auto Club Speedway with Hill driving (3-14-2018). Cole Custer will drive at Las Vegas with Haas Automation sponsorship in a Ford (2-21-2018). Harrison Rhodes to make Cup debut at Atlanta in February in a Chevy (2-15-2018). Pat Tryson the crew chief (2-10-2018). Justin Marks will drive in the Daytona 500 with sponsorship from Harry's Shaving Products and Katerra and some other races (2-2-2018). The team announced they have acquired a charter, leasing the #43 Charter (who uses their 2nd Charter the #44), but still do not have a driver finalized. There is no signed contract with Black yet (12-15-2017). The team says it has acquired a charter and will run the full season in 2018 with Ray Black Jr. as the driver, running for rookie of the year. Ware said that RWR will run all three manufacturers in 2018. RWR also plan to run a second car, #52, in 8-10 races with BJ McLeod, Cody Ware, Kyle Weatherman and John Graham(11-23-2017).

Gas Monkey Garage will sponsor LaJoie at Texas (Nov)(10-30-2018). Monarch will be the sponsor at Kentucky, New Hampshire, and Pocono (Jun)(7-12-2018). Whitt in the car at Auto Club (3-13-2018). Schluter-Systems will sponsor LaJoie in 4 races(2-8-2018). LaJoie has joined the team. He and Whitt will split the season in the #72. LaJoie is tentatively scheduled to drive at Daytona (Feb), Phoenix (Mar), Bristol (Apr), Dover (May), Kansas (May), Monster Open, Charlotte (May), Michigan (Jun), Chicago, Daytona (Jul), Kentucky, New Hampshire, Pocono (Jul), Michigan (Aug), Bristol (Aug), Darlington, Indianapolis, Las Vegas (Sep), Richmond (Sep), Dover (Oct), Talldega (Oct), Kansas (Oct), Martinsville (Oct), Texas (Nov), Phoenix (Nov), Homestead. TriStar will continue to lease a charter from Front Row, this year the #38 Charter with the #38 using the third un-numbered FRM Charter (2-6-2018). The Charter they used was leased from Front Row Motorsports, who purchased the Charter from BK Racing's #83 team, but doesn't have a number attached to it. No word if sponsors RTIC Coolers or Rinnai return in 2018

Auto-Owners Insurance will increase its primary sponsorship from 6 to 8 races in 2018. Furniture Row (owned by team owner Barney Visser) will no longer be a primary sponsor as the team has sponsors for the full season (11-7-2017). Bass Pro Shops & 5-Hour Energy will be co-primary sponsors in 30 races during 2018. Bass Pro will be the dominant sponsor for 16 races while 5-Hour Energy will be the primary in 14 races (10-15-2018). Wix Filters was the primary sponsor for one race, at New Hampshire in July, and be an associate sponsor the rest of the races, doesn't look like it'll return in 2018. Truex Jr. signed a two-year deal to stay with FRR thru 2018. Bass Pro Shops will be the primary sponsor in 16 races in each of the 2017 & 2018 seasons. 5-Hour Energy was the primary sponsor for two races in 2017, the Clash at Daytona and the All-Star race in Charlotte, no word if they move over to the #78 car in 2018 or stay on the #77 car, the only two options for the sponsor. Cole Pearn is expected to remain as the crew chief.

Axalta has extended their sponsorship agreement with Hendrick through 2022. Axalta will sponsor Bowman in 15 races in 2018 and 12 races in 2019 (3-23-2018). Eastman/Llumar will be the sponsor for 1 race in 2018, supposedly at Darlington (2-23-2018). Valvoline will be the primary sponsor for two races in 2018 and each season thru 2022 (1-30-2018). Axalta will also sponsor the #5 [will switch to #24 which will go to #9] with new driver William Byron, but will still sponsor some races on the #88. It was announced in July 2017 that Alex Bowman would replace Earnhardt as the driver in 2018. Nationwide returns as a primary sponsor and Axalta adds two more races as a primary, to 15 races in 2018. No word on Mountain Dew sponsorship. Earnhardt Jr. will retire and move over to TV in 2018, working for NBC. Crew Chief Greg Ives is expected back. Rumors were floating around in early 2017 that Carl Edwards could come back to run the Cup series in 2018, possibly with Penske in a third car, the #2 car or Hendrick. But Edwards said in June, he was not planning on coming back. Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced he will retire at the end of the 2017 season. Carl Edwards has been ruled out. Other candidates could be Alex Bowman or William Bryon (4-25-2017).

Kahne announced that he has not been cleared to run the remainder of the season. Regan Smith will drive the remainder of the season(10-10-2019). Smith will also drive at Las Vegas (Sep), Richmond (Sep) and Charlotte (Sep)(9-11-2018). Regan Smith will fill in for Kahne at Indianapolis due to Kahne suffering the effects of heat exhaustion after the Darlington race(9-5-2018). Jon Leonard named the interim crew chief no word on plans for former crew chief Travis Mack (6-16-2018). The FDNY Foundation will be featured on the #95 at Pocono in June(5-31-2018). Thorne will be the sponsor at Charlotte in May and again at Chicago in July (5-21-2018). Dumont Jets will be the sponsor at the All-Star race in Charlotte in May and at Dover in October (5-15-2018). Ollie's Bargain Outlet will be the sponsor at Dover in May (5-2-2018). Procore will sponsor the team for 6 races each in 2018 & 2019 (12-19-2017). Travis Mack named the crew chief for 2018, he was the car chief of the #88 HMS car (10-24-2017). Todd Parrott was let go as the team's crew chief after the October Talladega race(10-16-2017). Kasey Kahne signed to take over this ride. No word on sponsors. No word on former driver Michael McDowell's plans (McDowell ended up in the #34 Ford). Team owner Bob Leavine said he's currently looking at the right crew chief to pair with Kahne and confirmed the team will again partner with Richard Childress Racing and the ECR engine program in 2018 (9-19-2017). The team is looking at different driver scenarios for the #95 in 2018, with Kahne being an option (8-30-2017). Hearing Kasey Kahne could move to this team, with LFR aligning with Hendrick Motorsports for cars/motors and McDowell heading to the #34 team (8-26-2017). No word on any changes with the team, which ran it's 2nd full-time season in 2017. McDowell and Parrott are expected back, but no announcements have been made for 2018. The team would like to get more sponsorship for 2018. K-LOVE Radio and WRL General Contractors were featured on the car most of the 2017 season. The team purchased a Charter from #7-Tommy Baldwin Racing in late 2016. Casey Mears had been rumored as the driver in 2017 but that never happened

Teams that could run a part time scheduleor have skipped at least one race

D J Kennington will run the car at Talladega in October (10-8-2018). The team run the #7 and not the #55 it started with early in the season. Jess Little will drive at Kentucky (7-10-2018). Jeffrey Earnhardt will drive at Daytona in July, teaming with NY Racing (7-5-2018). Kennington will drive the #7 (using #55 owners points) at Michigan in June(6-6-2018). Premium withdrew the #55 at Pocono in June and ran it as the #7 in partnership with NY Racing(6-3-2018). Earnhardt will drive at Charlotte in May with Black Rifle / Nine Line Apparel as the sponsor(5-23-2018). TCL sponsored Sorenson at Talladega (Apr)(4-27-2018). The team is running as part-time schedule. Gase in the car at Las Vegas and Sorenson at ACS (3-18-2018). Running at Tommy Baldwin Jr. named the Competition Director of Premium Motorsports and Crew Chief of the #15 starting at Darlington in Sept 2017, Premium will absorb the assets of TBR's team, the #7 Chevy in 2018. Scott Eggleston will remain as Team Manager, Pat Tryson will be moving to the crew chief position for the #55 (9-1-2017). No word on the plans for this team, an Open (non-Charter) team and sister team to the Chartered #15 team for Premium Motorsports. The team ran most of the races, but skipped a few. Many drivers ran this car including Derrike Cope, Reed Sorenson, Tommy Regan and Gray Gaulding. Premium Motorsports' purchased of the charter from HScott Motorsports after the 2016 season, when it shutdown over the off-season. The organization decided to keep the #15, getting rid of the #98. Having no ties with any manufacturer, the team will run Toyotas at the four superspeedway (Daytona / Talladega) races in 2017, moving to Chevy in the other 32 events.

Team ran at Charlotte, then partnered with Jay Robinson and Premium Motorsports at Pocono (Jun). A new team, NY Racing owned by John Cohen, former owner of Team Xtreme #44 team of 2012-2015.(5-22-2018).

Hemric moves to the #31 car in 2019. Daniel Hemric will make his NASCAR Cup debut at Richmond in April with Smokey Mountain Herbal Snuff as the sponsor and also run at Charlotte in October. This is an un-chartered team (3-20-2018) RCR shut down this team and leased the Charter to the #00 Starcom team for 2018 (1-24-2018). All indications are that RCR will scale back to a two-car team (#3 & #31), no word if they will lease of sell the Charter for the #27 team (1-5-2018). Matt Borland, the crew chief of the #27 in 2017, moves to the #13 and will be Ty Dillon's crew chief in 2018 (11-27-2017). Ty Dillon re-signed a multi-year deal to stay in the #13 Germain Racing Chevy and will not move to the #27 RCR team. Have heard very few rumors on who could be in this car or if RCR backs down to a 2-car team in 2018 (9-10-2017). Paul Menard will leave after 2017 season and takes sponsor Menards to the #21 Wood Bothers Racing team in 2018.

Hasn't attempted any 2018 races. Changed name back to Key Motorsports from The Motorsports Group. No word if they will run any Cup races in 2018 (6-30-2018). The team didn't show up at Daytona in February and was not on the entry lost (2-9-2018). The Motorsports Group announced in December that they would separate from Joe Falk and Circle Sport. Crew Chief Eddie Pardue will move with TMG and run Chevy. TMG plans to compete in 2018 but is looking for a driver and sponsors. The Charter is expected to remain with the #33 Circle Sport team (12-12-2017). Circle Sport and TMG merged and have a Charter from #33 team which was leased to #95 Leavine Family Racing in 2016.

Towards the end of the 2018 season, the team has not attempted any races or made any announcements (10-8-2018). The team didn't show up at Daytona in February and was not on the entry lost (2-9-2018). Circle Sport has partnered with Go FAS Racing #32 team to acquire the #33 team charter (1-17-2018). Circle Sport announced that Jeffrey Earnhardt was released from a contract extension announced in October. Earnhardt drove most of the races in the #33 in 2017 for the merged TMG/Circle Sport team. Also, sponsor hulu, does not have 2018 sponsorship plans (12-12-2017). The Motorsports Group announced in December that they would separate from Joe Falk and Circle Sport. Crew Chief Eddie Pardue will move with TMG. TMG plans to compete in 2018 but is looking for a driver and sponsors (12-12-2017). Team owner Joe Falk expects Hulu to return in 2018 to sponsor the #33 and Earnhardt (11-18-2017). The team has announced that Earnhardt will return in 2018, but no additional details have been released (10-15-2017). Earnhardt ran most of the races in 2017 with the exception of the road courses, which Boris Said raced (supposed for the final time...as he said last season). Eddie Pardue took over as the crew chief mid-season 2017. Hulu came aboard as a primary sponsor for 19 races in 2017, no word if they return in 2018. Circle Sport and TMG merged and have a Charter. The team could run a second car, the #30 as an open team in 2018 but as of July 2017, it hasn't run. Circle Sport leased its Charter in 2016 to Leavine Family Racing's #95 team can't lease it for another 3 years. The team also has a relationship with Richard Childress Racing

The #52 makes its 2018 debut at Sonoma with Cody Ware driving (6-22-2018). The #52 was entered in the Coca-Cola 600 with McLeod, but was withdrawn and McLeod drove the #51 (5-25-2018). The team says it has acquired a charter for the #51 team and will run the full season in 2018 with Ray Black Jr. as the driver, running for rookie of the year. They also plan to run a second car, #52, in 8-10 races with BJ McLeod, Cody Ware, Kyle Weatherman and John Graham (11-23-2017).

Team will change to #62 from #75 and plans to run all four restrictor plate event with Gaughan. South Point will be a sponsor for the races(1-10-2018). Gaughan plans to run the restrictor plate races with this team in 2018 as he is running a part-time schedule. The team and Gaughan attempted ran the restrictor plates races (Daytona/Talladega) in 2017.

Team had to withdraw at Texas in November due to a violation of the engine rule(11-3-2018). Timmy Hill has been in the car for a few races in the first half of the 2018 season, driving a Toyota (6-10-2018). Looks like Phoenix Air Racing and MBM Motorsports are working together, but are listed in the owners points as #166 & #266. No announcements for either team (2-9-2018). The team ran a few races in 2017, mostly with Hill as the driver. No word on plans for 2018 or if it'll attempt more Cup races. Long had been banned from competing in the NASCAR Cup Series since having an illegal engine during the All-Star race weekend in May 2009 and unable to pay the team's $200,000 fine. NASCAR made me an agreement so Long can drive. Long has been working as a car owner and part-time driver in the Xfinity Series and will continue those efforts as well. The Cup car was purchased from HScott Motorsports.

Did not run any races in 2018 and FRR will shut down after the 2018 season. Sold the Charter for this team to the #37 JTG Daugherty Racing team (1-2-2018). The team may field a car in some races in 2018 as a non-chartered car, depending on sponsorship. Chris Gayle named the crew chief for 2018 and will move over with Jones from the #77 (11-16-2017). Furniture Row announced on October 11 the the #77 team would not run full time in 2018. They will continue to search for sponsorship with the long-term goal of being a two car team.(10-11-2017) Vissar said he has sold the Charter for this team, didn't say which team. It was reported that the team could still run in 2018 without a Charter if a sponsor is found but it would not run part-time (9-16-2017). Team owner Barney Visser said after Kentucky that "we have nothing concrete. ... Our hope is to have two cars" concerning the #77 team. Erik Jones will leave after 2017 and take over the #20 JGR ride in 2018. No word yet on plans for the #77 team. 5-Hour Energy has to stay with this team or the #78 and can't move elsewhere due to Monster Energy being the series sponsor. If FRR decides not to run the car, it would have to sell of lease the Charter (7-11-2017). 5-Hour Energy has to stay at the #77 can't move with Jones. So this team will be looking for a driver in 2018 and sponsorship (7-8-2017). The charter that was leased for the #46 HSM team was sold by Premium Motorsports to Furniture Row Racing and the #77 team (12-5-2016).

BK Racing has only run the #23 Chartered team so far in 2018 and BK Racing was sold to Front Row Motorsports in August (8-18-2018). Crew chief Doug Richert has parted ways with BK Racing (1-4-2018). A lawsuit filed as a North Carolina court determines who owns the charter that Front Row Motorsports bought from BK Racing for $2 million prior to the 2017 season. Union Bank & Trust in Virginia filed a lawsuit Nov. 17 in NC Superior Court, asking for the court to declare it has rights to what was originally BK Racing's #83 car charter, alleging that BK Racing owes it $9.1 million on a loan that included its two charters as collateral (11-28-2017). No word on 2018 plans. The team ran most of the races in the 2017 season with a few drivers including Corey LaJoie (who also ran the #23), Gray Gaulding and Ryan Sieg. There were also a few different crew chiefs for this team in 2017. Front Row Motorsports purchased the Charter from BK Racing's #83 team and leased it to the #72 TriStar Motorsports team for 2017 as FRM prepares to expand to three chartered cars in 2018.

Not entered at Talladega in October (10-8-2018). The team returns at Daytona in July with Peters and Advance Auto Parts(7-5-2018). The team will run Talladega in April with Timothy Peters driving and sponsorship from Advance Auto Parts (4-19-2018). Ricky Benton Racing (RBR) Enterprises announced that the team will be jumping to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) for the season-opening Daytona 500 in February. David Gilliland has rejoined the team to pilot the #92 Black's Tire and Auto Service/Carquest Auto Parts/Ford Fusion. Mike Hester will serve as crew chief in the MENCS and Truck Series teams. The team will continue its long-running relationship with Roush Yates Engines to provide power plants for their Fords (1-17-2018)

Jeffrey Earnhardt will drive at Michigan (Aug), Darlington, Indianapolis, Las Vegas (Sep), Charlotte (Sep), Dover (Oct), Talladega (Oct), Kansas (Oct), Martinsville (Oct), Texas (Nov), Phoenix (Nov) and Homestead(8-10-2018). Xtreme Concepts will be the sponsor for 14 of the final 16 races(7-28-2018). Kennington drove at Daytona in July (7-5-2018). Parker Kligerman will drive at Charlotte in May (5-11-2018). To run at Martinsville in March with Gordon Brothers as the sponsor (3-22-2018). Kennington will drive at Phoenix with Northern Provincial Pipelines as the sponsor (3-9-2018). D.J. Kennington will drive at Daytona (Feb) with sponsorship from Lordco Auto Parts and Castrol (1-22-2018). The team attempted and ran the Daytona 500 but didn't qualify for the race in May at Talladega. The team didn't attempt Daytona in July. No word on Talladega in October. Kennington did run the #15 car for Premium Motorsports at Daytona in July. GBR fielded the car in partnership RAB Racing, led by Robby Benton. RAB Racing partnered in supplying cars, shop space and technical support to the GBR effort. Castrol and Lordco Auto Parts were the sponsors

Ran at Phoenix in November with Tannery Berryhill(11-9-2018). Team ran at Texas in November with David Starr(11-4-2018). Attempted Talladega in October 2018 with David Starr but did not qualify. No word on 2019 plans. Bought cars and equipment from the defunct BK Racing team.

Cassill drove at Daytona in July (7-5-2018). Kyle Weatherman to drive at Chicago in July (6-27-2018). Garrett Smithley drove the car at Michigan in June, his Cup debut (6-10-2018). Team will run at Dover in May (5-1-2018). A second team car to the #00 Chevy. Could run at Texas with an un-announced driver. The team is looking for young funded drivers for this team. No word on crew chief (3-10-2018).

The #7 will be used by the #15 Premium Motorsports team, at least in the Daytona 500 with Danica Patrick. The number was brought over when Baldwin sold his team and assetts to Premium Motorsports and became the crew chief there (1-15-2018)).

? [NC]

?Spencer Gallagher

?Chevy

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?GMS RacingMaury Gallagher

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?Hendrick Motorsports

GMS Racing told ESPN's Bob Pockrass they have decided not to go full-time #NASCAR Cup racing in 2018. They own a super speedway (restrictor) car and could make an attempt at Daytona or Talladega (8-30-2017). GMS Racing is contemplating a move to the Cup Series in 2018. Team owner Maury Gallagher said the organization would like to make a decision in the next month. Hendrick Motorsports could provide the engines and equipment. Supposedly Spencer Gallagher would be the driver and also rumors are attached to Kasey Kahne as the primary driver and a possible 2nd team for GMS

Danica Patrick was rumored to this ride but RFR denied it and says they do not have an open ride in 2018, looks like the leased #16 Charter may be sold to JTG. Didn't run at all in 2017 and Roush Fenway president Steve Newmark said that Roush Fenway Racing will "most likely" be two Cup cars and one XFINITY car in 2018.

Didn't run at all in 2017 as an Open team. Front Row Motorsports purchased the Charter from BK Racing's #83 team after the 2016 season and leased it to the #72 TriStar Motorsports team for 2017. FRM prepares to expand to three chartered cars in 2018, which could be the #35 in 2018

RPM will align with Richard Childress Racing and switch to Chevy in 2018 (12-8-2017). RPM is leasing its #43 charter to Rick Ware Racing's #51 in 2018 and will use the charter tied to the #44 car on the #43 car in 2018. The #44 charter was leased to the #32 Go Fas Racing team in 2017 and had to be sold or used (12-7-2017).